BIRDS 287
sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis)
Two at Canvey Point, 29 April 1950.
common OR arctic tern (Sterna hirundo or S. macrura)
Thirty-forty at Canvey Point, 26 June 1950.
little tern (Sterna albifrons)
Two at Canvey Point, 26 June 1950.
THE ST. OSYTH AND DISTRICT BIRD WATCHING AND
PROTECTION CLUB
Observations made by Reginald W. Arthur (President) (R.A.), John
Cutter (J.C.), F. C. Almond (F.A.), V. French (V.F.) and M. and I. Mac-
Gregor (M.M.).
snow-bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
A flock of about thirty were about Leewick beach during January and
February 1949. (J. C, R.A.)
house-sparrow (Passer domesticus)
On a warm day in June 1950 I was attracted by the behaviour of a male
House-Sparrow. Closer inspection revealed that it was attacking a Common
Lizard, which had already lost its tail. My presence caused the sparrow
to fly away and the lizard went to cover at once. (R.A.)
tree-creeper (Certhia familiaris)
Large numbers of Tree-Creepers were very evident in Nun's Wood, St.
Osyth, on 26 February 1950. Pairs of birds met in mid-air, clawing, wing
beating, and pecking as if in combat—tumbling to the ground apparently
unaware of our presence. One pair was so intent on the action that they
went into the nearby water; even this did not calm them—the battle con-
tinued and one bird was almost submerged. At our closer approach they
disengaged and flew to overhanging branches. (R.A., J.C., F.A.)
song-thrush (Turdus ericetorum)
A brood left the nest in Mill Street, St. Osyth, on 5 April 1950.
black redstart (Phoenicurus ochrurus)
A pair on St. Osyth Beach, 29 October 1949; a female about Seawick
for several days, 2 December 1949; a pair at Seawick, 21 to 24 October
1950. (R.A.)
swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Juveniles retired to roost, perching among the grain heads in an oat field
at St. Osyth on 20 July 1950. (J.C., R.A.)
merlin (Falco columbarius)
One over Brazier's Farm, St. Osyth, 19 March 1949. (R.A.)
sparrow-hawk (Accipiter nisus)
One carrying male Blackbird as prey, Beach Road, St. Osyth, 15 January
1949. (R.A.)
harrier (Circus sp.)
On 14 October 1949, I noticed four birds approaching over Seawick
Marshes, St. Osyth. The leading bird was alternately gliding for some
distance and then giving a few wing beats—a typical Harrier. The plumage
was generally brownish—paler and streaked beneath—but the outstanding
feature was the bold white rump. The three birds following and mobbing
were Rooks (Corvus frugilegus). One soon left but the other two followed
the Harrier far out to sea. This bird was either a female of the Montagu's
or of the Hen Harrier (Circus pygargus or Circus cyaneus). The Harrier
maintained a southerly course throughout and was heading into wind on a
bright day. It was first seen at 14.45 hours. (R.A.)